"PhD Studentship: Nanoscale Chemical Characterisation of High Strength Al-6xxx"

College / Directorate Brunel Centre for Advance Solidification Technology

Posted Date 16/04/2024

Closing Date 03/05/2024

Ref No 4383

About the Project

Applications are invited for one full-time EPSRC Industrial CASE (ICASE) PhD studentship for the project “Nanoscale chemical characterisation of high strength Al-6XXX produced with recycled aluminium”, at Brunel University London, starting from 1st October 2024.

BCAST is a speciality research centre in metallurgy with a focus on processing of metallic materials for lightweighting applications. See http://www.brunel.ac.uk/bcast for more information. The project is sponsored by Constellium, a global leading manufacturer of high-quality technically advanced aluminium products and systems.

Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) starting from approximately £23,000 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of up to 48 months (4 years).

The use of recycled aluminium is important for reducing CO2 emissions and moving towards a circular economy. It also presents challenges and opportunities arising from the distribution of other elements contained in the recycled aluminium. This project will focus on characterising the distribution of elements arising from using recycled aluminium. The successful applicant will utilise the newly installed LEAPTM 5000 to collect atom probe tomography data to reveal the 3D nano-scale chemical distribution in matrix and secondary phases, as well as at interfaces between these phases. The project will also provide the opportunity to use complementary techniques, including transmission electron microscopy and focussed ion-beam techniques.

There will be the opportunity to work with and receive advice from Constellium’s industrial research engineers in addition to receiving expert training from BCAST researchers in the use of the high-end characterisation facilities at BCAST.

Please contact Dr James Famelton (james.famelton@brunel.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about the project.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this studentship, applicants should be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. Please check your suitability here

To be treated as a home student, candidates must meet one of these criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements)
• Have settled status
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline. A postgraduate master’s degree is not required but may be an advantage.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate basic understanding of metallic processing and characterisation. Previous familiarity with one or more of, atom probe tomography, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, focussed ion beam microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy is not required but may be an advantage.

In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently, as well as in a team and have effective communication skills.

How to Apply

Please submit your application documents (see list below) in one PDF file by noon on 3 May 2024 to cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk.

Interviews will take place in May 2024.

Your up-to-date CV;

• Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;
• Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
• Evidence of your English language skills to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, 6.0 in all sections), if appropriate;
• Contact details for two referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.

Remember to state the title of the project in the subject of your email.